What Did Diet Prada Say About Dolce and Gabbana?

Diet Prada, the well-known Instagram account that critiques fashion industry practices, recently called out Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana for their alleged cultural insensitivity. The controversy arose when D&G released a series of ads that portrayed a Chinese model struggling to eat Italian foods with chopsticks. This did not go over well with the Chinese audience and sparked outrage on social media.

What is Diet Prada?

Firstly, let’s understand what Diet Prada is all about. Diet Prada is an Instagram account run by two anonymous individuals who are dedicated to calling out copycats and questionable practices in the fashion industry. They have amassed a large following due to their unapologetic approach to exposing the truth behind fashion brands.

The Controversy Surrounding Dolce and Gabbana

D&G’s ad campaign featuring a Chinese model trying to eat pizza, spaghetti, and cannoli with chopsticks was met with immediate backlash from the Chinese audience. Many accused D&G of cultural insensitivity and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The situation escalated when Stefano Gabbana, co-founder of D&G, allegedly made racist comments on Instagram in response to the criticism. Screenshots of his alleged conversation showed him calling China “the country of sh*t” and using emojis that were deemed offensive.

Diet Prada’s Response

Diet Prada was quick to call out D&G for their insensitive ads and Stefano Gabbana for his alleged racist remarks. They shared screenshots of the ad campaign along with posts exposing the brand’s history of cultural appropriation.

In one post, Diet Prada shared an image from D&G’s 2016 runway show which featured models wearing traditional Chinese-inspired clothing while carrying fortune cookies in their hands. The caption read: “For anyone who still doesn’t think racism exists in fashion, let this be your proof. It’s time to call it out.”

The Aftermath

The backlash against D&G was swift and severe. Many Chinese celebrities and influencers who were scheduled to attend the brand’s upcoming fashion show in Shanghai pulled out of the event. Chinese consumers also boycotted D&G products, leading to many retailers removing the brand’s items from their shelves.

D&G issued an apology video featuring the two co-founders, but it was widely criticized for being insincere and poorly executed. The controversy ultimately resulted in the cancellation of D&G’s Shanghai fashion show.

Conclusion

The Dolce and Gabbana controversy serves as a reminder that cultural sensitivity is crucial in today’s globalized world. Fashion brands must recognize that their actions have consequences and be held accountable for any harmful messaging they may inadvertently perpetuate.

Diet Prada played a vital role in exposing D&G’s insensitivity and sparking a conversation about cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. Their platform serves as a much-needed watchdog for an industry that often values profits over ethics.

It is up to consumers to hold brands accountable for their actions by speaking out against harmful practices and supporting those who prioritize inclusivity and diversity.